In message <[log in to unmask]>, crpost
<[log in to unmask]> writes
>One factor not seen in the discussion is the age of the comb. Older comb,
>containing many pupal and larval debris, will effectively reduce the inside
>dimensions on the cells and, as a result, the size of the bee.
I came across an article a few years ago which did an experiment and
came up with the conclusion that about 2% reduction is all you get over
the years. That suggests the idea that cells get smaller is a myth.
Presumably bees either ream the cells out or replace them as needed.
Please will people who have measured many cells contribute on this.
> The age of those
>feral colonies that survive might be a factor. Younger established feral
>colonies' cell size might not be small enough yet for them to resist. That is,
>assuming cells size is a factor in varroa tolerance.
Please note my "speculation" of a few postings ago that feral colonies
*if* they are going to reduce cell size should do so extremely quickly
as each new generation draws new comb.

My own measurements show little reduction if any - many feral colonies
show 57mm cells, the same as my foundation. I will continue to measure -
and post the results if there is interest. This includes cut comb (from
strips) wild comb in colonies on frames, wild comb from swarms and *old*
comb from feral colonies cut out from their nest and tied into frames.
--
James Kilty